Blockbuster summer

If Iron Man 2 has whetted your appetite for big-budget movies this summer, here’s a sneak peek at nine more on the way

By
Chris Anderson
29 March 2010

The A-Team

Who’s in it? Liam Neeson, Bradley CooperDirector: Joe CarnahanWe’re a bit worried about this one. Sometimes there is just no need to remake the TV series of our youth, but movie bigwigs want our money and think otherwise. Liam Neeson is Hannibal, Bradley Cooper is ‘Face’, the South African guy from District 9 is Murdoch and an ex-UFC cagefighter is BA Baracus. Neeson wouldn’t attach his name to anything really bad, would he?Release date: June

The Expendables

Who’s in it? Sylvester Stallone, Jason StathamDirector: Sylvester StalloneWe’re secretly excited about this one, even though we are slightly unnerved to admit it. Stallone has assembled a dream mix of action movie stars from the ’80s up to the present day – himself, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Mickey Rourke and Dolph Lundgren. Even Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger have cameos. It promises to be all cheesy one-liners and huge explosions. Bring it on.Release date: August

Inception

Who’s in it? Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Wantabe, Ellen PageDirector: Christopher NolanHow can a movie that isn’t a sequel, a remake or something based on a video game make this list? Because it’s directed by movie genius Christopher Nolan, that’s why. The man has racked up The Dark Knight and The Prestige amongst recent greats, but this one is said to hark back to the likes of his earlier classic Memento, with plenty of twists and intrigue. The plot has been kept completely under wraps for this reason, so do yourself a favour and don’t try to find out before you see it.Release date: July

The Last Airbender

Who’s in it? Jackson Rathbone, Dev PatelDirector: M Night ShyamalanThis movie features characters called Avatars apparently – not to be confused with the blue CGI versions, obviously. Here an Avatar is someone who brings balance to the four elements, and when the reigning one disappears it brings chaos to the world. Then a 12-year-old boy called Aang discovers that he is the new Avatar, with the ability to manipulate the elements and hopefully restore order. A massive departure for director Shyamalan, which could be a good or bad thing.Release date: July

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Who’s in it? Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben KingsleyDirector: Mike NewellAnyone suggesting you see a movie based on a video game usually sets the alarm bells ringing – just think Hitman, Street Fighter, Doom or either of the Tomb Raider movies. But Disney is aiming high with this one, hoping to have another Pirates of the Caribbean-sized hit franchise on its hands. How do we know? Because it has roped in acting heavyweights like Ben Kingsley and Jake Gyllenhaal, added slick CGI and the talents of Pirates producer Jerry Bruckheimer.Release date: May

Robin Hood

Who’s in it? Russell Crowe, Cate BlanchettDirector: Ridley ScottEagle-eyed movie buffs will recognise the Crowe/Scott partnership as one that made Gladiator such a success, and hopes are high that this reimagining of the Robin Hood saga will tread similar ground. Judging by the recent trailer, it definitely seems heavy on the gritty, no-nonsense fighting that the duo’s previous movie had. Crowe’s tough-guy Hood will hopefully make Kevin Costner’s pansy mulletted version a distant memory.Release date: May

Shrek Forever After

Who’s in it? Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy (voices)Director: Mike MitchellYou remember Shrek? The big green ogre with a Scottish accent? We do, and we’re glad he’s back – as we imagine Eddie Murphy must be, seeing as voicing the character of Donkey is the only credible and vaguely funny film role he’s had in the past 20 years. This is sure to be more of the same, presented to us this time in Avatar-style 3D.Release date: May

Toy Story 3

Who’s in it? Tom Hanks, Tim Allen (voices)Director: Lee UnkrichIt’s been a while since we last saw Woody and Buzz. The second movie never quite restarted the merchandise craze of the original, but perhaps it’ll be third time lucky with this entry – although we wonder if a grown-up Andy who leaves and goes to college, meaning that his toys get donated to a children’s home and want to escape to find their way back, will hold the same appeal for younger ones. The trailer has a few laughs, though – like the cheesy Ken doll who welcomes the toys to their new abode.Release date: June

Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Who’s in it? Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor LautnerDirector: David SpadeThere’s no getting away from the Twilight movies at the moment. If you’re not a fan, you may at least be interested to know that this third entry is the first one to be directed by David Spade – who also directed vampire flick 30 Days of Night. That could mean this particular movie is a little darker.Release date: June •